Appendix 2 - Sustainability Appraisal of the options for the spatial distribution of housing
This appraisal considers three spatial options for development and is based on the provision of some 7000 to 8000 new dwellings on greenfield
sites over the plan period, taking into account shortlisted SHLAA sites but without consideration of specific sites.
Option 1 – Basingstoke focus for all development
This option would provide the majority of all new development in or around Basingstoke town, and provision of 7000 to 8000 dwellings on
greenfield land. This level of development would potentially require a combination of major development to the north, east, west, south-west or
north-east.
Option 2 – Basingstoke focus and a spread of development to larger settlements in the borough
This option would focus a lot of the new development at Basingstoke, but with some distribution to the larger settlements of Overton,
Whitchurch and Bramley. The appraisal is on the assumption that there would be development at Bramley, Overton and Whitchurch, in
addition to other large settlements in the Borough. Strategic development is not proposed at Tadley due to the Health and Safety Executive’s
position that it would advise against development that would result in an increase in population in and around the town.
Option 3 – A spread of development to a greater number of settlements in the borough, where they have SPBs
This option would mean less of a focus on Basingstoke Town with dispersal of development to approximately 20 of the larger settlements
around the borough. It would be realistic to assume that there would be more development in the larger settlements, and less in the smaller.
Sustainability Appraisal of the Options
The table below provides a summary of the appraisal of the three spatial options. Given the strategic nature of the options under consideration,
in some instances it is difficult to conclude whether the impact would be positive or negative, and there are a number of uncertainties. For
example, the sites that may be developed for each option are unknown so at this stage it is not possible to assess the impact of any of the
options on the borough’s landscape. Likewise, in considering the impact on each objective, there may be a range of issues and complexities to
assess which makes it impossible to assign a single symbol overall.
All options provide the same level of housing, although by concentrating development at Basingstoke (option 1) there are fewer opportunities
for new housing in the rural parts of the borough (although smaller scale housing development can be provided through the Community Right to
Build / Neighbourhood Planning to address specific areas of need, if there is support by the community, in addition to Rural Exception sites).
Option 1 would also be less supportive towards existing and new community and commercial enterprises in the rural settlements due to limiting
population growth outside of Basingstoke Town. However, this option is more likely to result in a major development area or comprehensive
development which may offer benefits in terms of infrastructure provision.
At this level of assessment, Option 2 has the fewest potential negative impacts due to its ‘middle-ground’ approach to the distribution of
housing. It addresses the main housing need in Basingstoke Town, but also provides some opportunity for new rural housing provision in the
larger settlements. By confining new development to the larger settlements it will protect the character of most rural settings, and their
landscape setting. Development will also be directed to those rural settlements that already have some local services and public transport
provision.
For all of the options, there remain many uncertainties surrounding the environmental impacts of the proposal due to the site specific nature of
these issues. However, option 3 could have potential adverse environmental impacts due to the location of new development sites across rural
parts of the borough which may have limited access by public transport and fewer services and facilities within walking/cycling distance. This
option could, therefore, result in increased reliance on the car and may result in more in-commuting to Basingstoke for employment purposes.
Distribution of strategic development across the borough could potentially have an adverse impact on the character of rural settlements and
their setting.
Sustainability
Objectives
B & D Sustainability
issues/LDF issues
Option 1 –
Basingstoke
focus for all
development
Option 2 –
Basingstoke
focus and a
spread of
development to
larger
settlements in
the borough
Option 3 – A
spread of
development to a
greater number of
settlements in the
borough, where
they have SPBs
1) To provide all residents
with the opportunity to live
in a sustainable, decent,
affordable home.
 Population set to grow steadily, and
ageing
 Increasing numbers of people in
housing need on the housing
register
 Affordability of housing/difficulties
getting on the housing ladder
 Limited provision for gypsy and
traveller sites
 Sustainability of housing
+/Concentration of new
development at
Basingstoke will help to
meet the high levels of
housing need in the town
and its surrounding area.
Provision of housing on
larger sites may provide
greater potential for a
wider range of housing,
including housing for the
elderly. It may also
provide more opportunities
+
Provision of a large
proportion of the new
housing in and around
the town will help to
meet the high levels of
housing need in the
town and its surrounding
area. Provision of
housing on larger sites
may provide greater
potential for a wider
range of housing,
including housing for the
+/Whilst the dispersal of new
housing across the
borough would seek to
address local housing
need and the aspirations
identified in the Rural
Housing Study, it would
not address the high levels
of housing need in
Basingstoke Town. There
may be sustainability
implications of this
approach, both in terms of
2 of 12
2) To reduce deprivation
and inequalities in quality
of life between residents
and neighbourhoods
 Some local areas in the Borough
suffering from deprivation
 The number of people claiming
council tax and housing benefits is
increasing
 Some groups/areas suffering from
fuel poverty
3 of 12
for sustainable design and
construction, and the
provision of decentralised
energy (although all of the
strategic sites are of
sufficient size to enable
this).
elderly. It may also
provide more
opportunities for
sustainable design and
construction, and the
provision of
decentralised energy.
However, provision of
housing solely in and
around Basingstoke would
ignore housing need and
preferences outside of the
Town and would not
address local housing
need in other settlements
(although smaller scale
housing could be provided
in later stages of the LDF
or through the Community
Right to Build). The Rural
Housing Survey indicated
widespread demand and
aspirations for housing in
the rural parts of
Basingstoke and Deane.
0
At this strategic level, it is
difficult to ascertain the
impact of the different
spatial options on
deprivation. The impact
on the 7 most deprived
areas of the borough is
unknown, and there also
exists rural deprivation.
The provision of new
housing is likely to have a
positive impact on
This approach will also
enable some housing to
be provided to meet
local housing need and
demand in the rural area
as evident from the
Housing Register and
Rural Housing Survey.
There would remain
parts of the borough
whose needs would not
be addressed by
development in these
settlements (although
smaller scale housing
could be provided
through Neighbourhood
Planning etc).
0
At this strategic level, it
is difficult to ascertain
the impact of the
different spatial options
on deprivation. The
impact on the 7 most
deprived areas of the
borough is unknown,
and there also exists
rural deprivation. The
provision of new housing
is likely to have a
accessibility and
opportunities for the new
dwellings to be of
sustainable design and
construction. Residents of
new development sites are
more likely to rely on
private transport to access
services and facilities. If
the housing sites are
smaller and predominantly
residential, there may be
less opportunities for
incorporating decentralised
energy and there may be
fewer economies of scale
in incorporating
sustainable design and
construction technology.
0
At this strategic level, it is
difficult to ascertain the
impact of the different
spatial options on
deprivation. The impact
on the 7 most deprived
areas of the borough is
unknown, and there also
exists rural deprivation.
The provision of new
housing is likely to have a
positive impact on
deprivation provided
regeneration opportunities
are maximised.
3) To reduce and
minimise emissions of
greenhouse gases and
manage the impact of
climate change
(4) To protect, and
enhance local
biodiversity, flora and
fauna
(5) To protect and
enhance the
distinctiveness and
quality of the local
landscape, soils,
 Relatively high CO2 emissions
 Relatively high levels of electricity
consumption for domestic use
 Local flooding
 Water stressed area
 Limited renewable energy
generation – potential for more
 Lowland heaths e.g.
Thames Basin Heaths
 19 SSSIs – generally in good
condition (check AMR)
 SINCs
 Opportunities to improve
management e.g. River Loddon
 Identified Biodiversity Opportunity
Areas
 Key features of landscape areas
identified in the Landscape
Character Study
 AONB
 Land of high agricultural grade
4 of 12
deprivation provided
regeneration opportunities
are maximised.
?
There is potential for
renewable energy
generation across the
borough, and for this to be
incorporated within new
developments.
positive impact on
deprivation provided
regeneration
opportunities are
maximised.
?
There is potential for
renewable energy
generation across the
borough, and for this to
be incorporated within
new developments.
Flooding issues are
considered under objective
7.
Flooding issues are
considered under
objective 7.
Flooding issues are
considered under objective
7.
Assessment of this issue is
largely dependent on the
design of any
development.
Assessment of this issue
is largely dependent on
the design of any
development.
?
At this strategic level, it is
difficult to ascertain the
impact of the different
spatial options on
biodiversity, flora and
fauna – this will be
considered further at the
site specific level.
?
At this strategic level, it
is difficult to ascertain
the impact of the
different spatial options
on biodiversity, flora and
fauna – this will be
considered further at the
site specific level.
Assessment of this issue is
largely dependent on the
design of any
development, however,
lower density development
in rural areas may result in
less energy efficient
housing.
?
At this strategic level, it is
difficult to ascertain the
impact of the different
spatial options on
biodiversity, flora and
fauna – this will be
considered further at the
site specific level.
?
The impact of these
options on the quality of
the landscape, soils and
geology is difficult to
?/The impact of these
options on the quality of
the landscape, soils and
geology is difficult to
?/The impact of these
options on the quality of
the landscape, soils and
geology is difficult to
?
There is potential for
renewable energy
generation across the
borough, and for this to be
incorporated within new
developments.
geological and
geomorphologic interests
6) To maintain and
improve the quality of
water resources in the
Borough
7) To reduce the risk of
flooding and the resulting
detriment to the local
community, environment
and economy
8) To improve sustainable
accessibility to all
services and facilities
assess at this level as they
are generally site specific
issues.
assess at this level as
they are generally site
specific issues.
assess at this level as they
are generally site specific
issues.
However, this option may
have a greater impact on
the North Wessex Downs
AONB
 Water stressed area
 River Loddon quality issue
 River Test aquatic species and
salmonid status
 River Itchen Special Area of
Conservation
 Flooding in flood zones – identify
main areas, and localised
?
There is uncertainty
regarding the impact of all
of the options on water
quality.
However, development
at Whitchurch may have
a greater impact on the
North Wessex Downs
AONB
?
There is uncertainty
regarding the impact of
all of the options on
water quality.
?
There are areas of flood
zones 2 and 3 around
Basingstoke Town and
across the borough so at
this stage it is not possible
to identify the potential
flooding risks as a result of
the different spatial
options. These will need
to be considered as part of
the site assessment work.
 The urban/rural nature of the
borough is problematic for enabling
sustainable accessibility to all
services and facilities
 the viability of many bus services
remains reliant on government
funding.
?
Judgement on this issue is
largely dependent on the
specific sites, their size,
provision of new services
and facilities and
opportunities to enhance
transport infrastructure.
?
There are areas of flood
zones 2 and 3 around
Basingstoke Town and
across the borough so at
this stage it is not
possible to identify the
potential flooding risks
as a result of the
different spatial options.
These will need to be
considered as part of the
site assessment work.
?
Judgement on this issue
is largely dependent on
the specific sites, their
size, provision of new
services and facilities
and opportunities to
enhance transport
infrastructure.
5 of 12
?
There are areas of flood
zones 2 and 3 around
Basingstoke Town and
across the borough so at
this stage it is not possible
to identify the potential
flooding risks as a result of
the different spatial
options. These will need
to be considered as part of
the site assessment work.
?
There is uncertainty
regarding the impact of all
of the options on water
quality.
Judgement on this issue is
largely dependent on the
specific sites, their size,
provision of new services
and facilities and
opportunities to enhance
transport infrastructure.
However, the dispersal of
new housing across the
borough, including rural
9) To improve choice and
access to sustainable
transport options
 The urban/rural nature of the
borough is problematic for
supporting access to sustainable
transport options
 the viability of many bus services
remains reliant on government
funding.
 Relatively low levels of public
transport/alternatives to the car
?
Judgement on this issue is
largely dependent on the
specific sites, their size
and proximity to existing
bus services, cycle and
pedestrian routes, and
opportunities to enhance
transport infrastructure.
?
Judgement on this issue
is largely dependent on
the specific sites, their
size and proximity to
existing bus services,
cycle and pedestrian
routes, and opportunities
to enhance transport
infrastructure.
areas and smaller
settlements, is likely to
result in more reliance on
private transport by
occupants. Although
some rural transport
services could be
enhanced/sustained by
new development, it would
depend on the scale of
development and given
funding cutbacks in rural
transport, it is unlikely that
there will be improvements
in accessibility with this
option.
Judgement on this issue is
largely dependent on the
specific sites, their size
and proximity to existing
bus services, cycle and
pedestrian routes, and
opportunities to enhance
transport infrastructure.
However, the dispersal of
new housing across the
borough, including rural
areas and smaller
settlements, is likely to
result in more reliance on
private transport by
occupants. Although
some rural transport
services could be
enhanced/sustained by
new development, it would
depend on the scale of
6 of 12
development and given
funding cutbacks in rural
transport, it is unlikely that
there will be improvements
in accessibility with this
option.
10) To improve
educational attainment
and increase
opportunities for new
skills and learning to
support the economic
competitiveness of the
Borough, and personal
development.
11) To develop a diverse
and competitive
knowledge-based
economy
12) To maintain high and
stable levels of
employment
 Comparable educational attainment
nationally slightly lower than across
Hampshire
 Sufficient school capacity across
the borough though schools with
capacity may not be located where
there is future demand (particularly
locations in Basingstoke Town)
0
This option will have a
neutral impact on
educational attainment
0
This option will have a
neutral impact on
educational attainment
0
This option will have a
neutral impact on
educational attainment
 Relatively high job density
 Relatively high proportion of large
firms
 Currently there is a relatively high
proportion of borough residents
working in distribution, hotels and
restaurants, but also a relatively
high proportion working in a
managerial capacity including
associate professional and
technical occupations.
0
The spatial distribution of
new housing is unlikely to
significantly impact this
objective.
0
The spatial distribution
of new housing is
unlikely to significantly
impact this objective.
0
The spatial distribution of
new housing is unlikely to
significantly impact this
objective.
Broadband speeds vary
across the borough but
this is site specific, and
some rural settlements
have a faster broadband
speed than the edge of
Basingstoke Town.
+/This approach would be
supportive of economic
growth within Basingstoke
Town but would offer less
support to the rural
economy.
Broadband speeds vary
across the borough but
this is site specific, and
some rural settlements
have a faster broadband
speed than the edge of
Basingstoke Town.
+
This approach would be
supportive of economic
growth within
Basingstoke Town and
some support to rural
services and the rural
economy in the other
larger settlements.
Broadband speeds vary
across the borough but
this is site specific, and
some rural settlements
have a faster broadband
speed than the edge of
Basingstoke Town.
+/This approach would be
supportive of the rural
economy but may result in
more in-commuting into
Basingstoke for
employment purposes.
 The borough has a relatively high
proportion of the population which
is economically active.
 6% of the economically active
population is unemployed, typical
of rates in Hants and SE
 Overall decline in numbers seeking
Job Seekers Allowance over last
decade, although there has been
slight increase in claimant figures in
7 of 12
13) To maintain and
enhance sustainable
economic growth
last 12 months due to the recession
 Basingstoke and Deane has a job
ratio slightly over the regional
average.
 Low average annual completions of
industrial, office, retail development
over last 3 years
 Steady increase in business deaths
over last few years – more
pronounced in the borough in
2008/09.
8 of 12
+
Although all of the options
would provide housing in a
location that is within
commutable distance of
the main economic growth
in Basingstoke town,
provision of new housing
within or around
Basingstoke Town is likely
to offer more sustainable
opportunities for
commuting.
+
Although all of the
options would provide
housing in a location that
is within commutable
distance of the main
economic growth in
Basingstoke town,
provision of new housing
within or around
Basingstoke Town is
likely to offer more
sustainable opportunities
for commuting.
+/Although new housing
across the borough is
within commutable
distance of the main
economic growth in
Basingstoke Town, the
majority of all commuting
from most rural
settlements will be by
private transport.
14) To enhance the
attractiveness of the
Borough to visitors
There is an issue around the image
of Basingstoke Town, particularly
from those outside the borough.
Potential implications regarding
investment in the town.
+
This option will result in
less development within
the rural parts of the
borough, offering more
protection of the wider
countryside and
settlements of historic
interest (Conservation
Areas). This option would
not impact on the North
Wessex Downs AONB.
There may be
opportunities for new
development to enhance
the image of Basingstoke
Town.
+
There may be
opportunities for new
development to enhance
the image of
Basingstoke Town.
Development at
Whitchurch could impact
on the North Wessex
Downs AONB. Parts of
Overton, Whitchurch and
Bramley (and other large
settlements in the
borough) are designated
as Conservation Areas
and any development
would have to ensure
their protection.
This approach would result
in more development of
the rural settlements
(some of which are of
historical interest and are
Conservation Areas) and
the surrounding
countryside, which may
negatively impact rural
tourism. There is more
likely to be development
within, or adjoining the
North Wessex Downs
AONB. This approach will
also offer fewer
opportunities to improve
the image of Basingstoke
Town.
15) To protect and
enhance distinctive and
high quality features of
the local built
environment
 Improve image of Basingstoke
through high quality design.
 Maintain the attractiveness of the
boroughs Conservation Areas.
?
The impact of all of these
options would depend on
the sites and design of
new development. This
option is likely to have less
of an impact on the historic
rural settlements.
?/The impact of all of these
options would depend on
the sites and design of
new development.
Dispersal of development
could impact on the
historic rural settlements
with Conservation Areas.
16) To improve the
efficiency of resource
use, including re-using
previously developed
land, existing buildings
and materials, and
encouraging the
 Development on pdl exceeded 60%
over last few years.
 Number of homes/buildings built to
Code for Sustainable Homes
standards/BREEAM unknown.
 Relatively low recycling rate
-/?
All options entail
development of greenfield
land.
?/The impact of all of
these options would
depend on the sites and
design of new
development. Dispersal
of development could
impact on the historic
rural settlements with
Conservation Areas.
-/?
All options entail
development of
greenfield land, but
development in rural
parts of the borough are
likely to be of a lower
9 of 12
Although new housing will
be built to higher
-/?
All options entail
development of greenfield
land, but development in
rural parts of the borough
are likely to be of a lower
density and therefore may
maximum use of
sustainable design and
construction technologies
(17) To create and
sustain vibrant
settlements and
communities
environmental standards
via the Code for
Sustainable Homes as set
out in policy (and therefore
more efficient use of
resources per capita),
there is likely be an
increase in resource use
overall. This will be
dependent on the specific
design of any
development.
 Basingstoke Town Centre is a vital
and viable centre, and the District
Centres are performing well.
-/+/?
Concentration of all new
development at
Basingstoke Town will not
support the vibrancy of
other settlements across
the borough, although it
will support the vitality and
viability of Basingstoke
Town Centre. However,
this approach would not
preclude smaller
developments coming
forward in other
settlements through
Community Right to Build.
The impact of
concentrating all new
development at
10 of 12
density and therefore
may result in greater
greenfield land
requirements.
Although new housing
will be built to higher
environmental standards
via the Code for
Sustainable Homes as
set out in policy (and
therefore more efficient
use of resources per
capita), there is likely to
be an increase in
resource use overall.
This will be dependent
on the specific design of
any development.
+/?
This approach is
supportive of sustaining
the vibrancy of
Basingstoke Town as
well as some of the
larger settlements. It
would not necessarily
support the vibrancy of
other settlements across
the borough although
this approach would not
preclude smaller
developments coming
forward in other
settlements through
Neighbourhood Planning
etc
The impact of
result in greater greenfield
land requirements.
Although new housing will
be built to higher
environmental standards
via the Code for
Sustainable Homes as set
out in policy (and therefore
more efficient use of
resources per capita),
there is likely to be an
increase in resource use
overall. This will be
dependent on the specific
design of any
development.
+/?
The provision of new
housing across the
borough will support local
services and facilities,
although the provision of
new services and facilities
will depend on the amount
of development.
Basingstoke on community
cohesion should be
considered. The provision
of all housing in one or two
major development areas
could provide opportunities
for the creation of
communities with new
facilities/services.
18) To promote and
improve access to open
space and countryside
 Borough generally well provided for
in terms of open space although
there are some local deficiencies
 Opportunities to improve
management of open space
?
All of these options will
entail development of
greenfield land and there
may be some investment
in existing /new open
space provision as a result
of CIL/S106/New Homes
Bonus funding.
Development of strategic
sites will be of sufficient
size to incorporate open
space within them
19) To improve
community safety by
reducing crime, the fear
of crime, and antisocial
behaviour
20) To improve health
and well-being through
the development of
healthy communities
 Crime rates for B&D generally
comparable with, or slightly lower
than Hants and SE.
 Slight reduction in overall crime
rates over the last few years.
 Health and wellbeing of residents
of the borough generally good.
 Higher teenage conception rates
than for Hampshire/the south east.
 Ageing population
0
The impact on crime and
community safety cannot
be determined at this
stage
?/0
The NHS Foundation Trust
has indicated that
development on this scale
would put additional
pressure on parking and
treatment at the North
11 of 12
concentrating much of
the new development at
Basingstoke on
community cohesion
should be considered.
The provision of all
housing in one or two
major development
areas could provide
opportunities for the
creation of communities
with new
facilities/services.
?
All of these options will
entail development of
greenfield land and there
may be some
investment in existing
/new open space
provision as a result of
CIL/S106/New Homes
Bonus funding.
Development of strategic
sites will be of sufficient
size to incorporate open
space within them
0
The impact on crime and
community safety cannot
be determined at this
stage
?/0
The NHS Foundation
Trust has indicated that
development on this
scale would put
additional pressure on
parking and treatment at
?/All of these options will
entail development of
greenfield land and there
may be some investment
in existing /new open
space provision as a result
of CIL/S106/New Homes
Bonus funding. However,
there are likely to be fewer
opportunities for open
space on smaller, nonstrategic sites.
0
The impact on crime and
community safety cannot
be determined at this
stage
?/0
The NHS Foundation Trust
has indicated that
development on this scale
would put additional
pressure on parking and
treatment at the North
Hants hospital.
the North Hants hospital.
Hants hospital.
Primary care providers
have indicated that there is
adequate healthcare
capacity to serve
development at
Basingstoke or there are
plans in place to improve
the infrastructure (through
financial contributions).
Primary care providers
have indicated that there
is adequate healthcare
capacity to serve
development at
Basingstoke or there are
plans in place to improve
the infrastructure
(through financial
contributions).
Primary care providers
have indicated that there is
adequate healthcare
capacity to serve
development or there are
plans in place to improve
the infrastructure (through
financial contributions).
Site specific issues that
may affect health, such as
noise pollution, unneighbourly uses near the
site, open space provision,
cannot be assessed at this
strategic stage which
considers settlements as a
whole.
12 of 12
Site specific issues that
may affect health, such
as noise pollution, unneighbourly uses near
the site, open space
provision, cannot be
assessed at this
strategic stage which
considers settlements as
a whole.
Site specific issues that
may affect health, such as
noise pollution, unneighbourly uses near the
site, open space provision,
cannot be assessed at this
strategic stage which
considers settlements as a
whole.